MCCC dental hygiene program, director honored for sealant efforts

By For The Times Herald, From a press release, From Montgomery County , Community College

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Montgomery County Community College’s dental hygiene program, under the leadership of Professor and Program Director Jenny Sheaffer, has received the School Health Partnership Award from the Montgomery County School Nurses Association.

The award recognizes the positive impact of MCCC’s dental sealant programs on children in the community.

“It means a lot that this recognition came from the school nurses who do so much within the school systems to support our programs. They also make sure that families are aware of the services that the college’s Dental Hygiene Clinic provides,” explained Sheaffer.

On average, MCCC holds between four to five sealant programs annually, with each program serving 35 to 40 children.

The program includes dental screenings, sealants, fluoride varnish applications and education for children ages 6 to 14.

The services are provided free of charge through support from the North Penn Community Health Foundation, the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, and the Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Sheaffer has served as a dental hygiene educator for 36 years, including 10 as the director of MCCC’s program.

Of her career, which includes numerous national and research awards, Sheaffer says that she admires the relationships that she has made over the years, and she looks forward to what the future holds.

“As an educator, I believe it is important to embrace your passion, share it with others and take advantage of opportunities for continual learning and growth throughout your career. As an administrator, I try to lead in a way that empowers others, strives for excellence and looks forward to the future,” she said.

To learn more about the dental hygiene program at MCCC, visit mc3.edu/academics.